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Brown Appoints OCEA’s Nick Berardino to Fair Board

SACRAMENTO — On Thursday California Governor Jerry Brown issued an announcement of appointments to State Boards. The first on the list, was the appointment of Orange County Employee’s Association General Manager Nick Berardino to the Orange County Fair Board.

Nick Berardino, 62, of Lake Forest, has been appointed to the 32nd District Agricultural Association, Orange County Fair Board. He has served in multiple positions for the Orange County Employees Association since 1978, including general manager since 2004. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Berardino is a Democrat.

Jerry Brown - Photo OCEA

Berardino and Brown have been friends for years. His appointment must stick in the teeth of the Costa Mesa City Council majority who have been battling with OCEA over the fate of 214 Costa Mesa City Employees facing layoff under their outsourcing scheme. The Orange County Fairgrounds is a major part of Costa Mesa’s identity and sits across the street from Costa Mesa City Hall.